Araripe Manakin

Araripe Manakin Facts

• The distinctive term of Araripe Manakin serves as the generally accepted common name for a remarkable variety of avian. Its scientific name, however, remains that of the comparatively hard to pronounce Antilophia bokermanni.
• By either name, though, this admittedly lovely animal stands out from the crowd for a most regrettable reason. In point of fact, this marvelous creature currently ranks as one of the rarest of all known birds in existence, anywhere on earth.
• Quite amazingly, its discovery did not occur until the year 1996, and that happened entirely accidentally. It received its scientific name in honor of the highly renowned late Brazilian zoologist, Werner Bokermann, who passed away in 1995.
• Presently, official estimates place its known number of surviving members at fewer than 800 individuals. The IUCN, therefore, quite understandably now lists it as Critically Endangered. This status appears on the organization’s Red List.
• Given its natural habitat range, the peril of habitat loss poses one of the leading threats to the Araripe Manakin at the moment. The ongoing effects of climate change, however, also threaten it with possible extinction, just as it does many other species.

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Araripe Manakin Physical Description

Although the magnificent Araripe Manakin truly does impress those fortunate enough to encounter it, the animal does not do so due to size. In this respect, in fact, the marvel of Nature actually only ranks as an average sized member of its Class.

Like many of its kind, the beautiful bird also displays a significant degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its particular case, though, this principle manifests itself in terms of a difference in the plumage between the two genders.

Mature individuals of both sexes nonetheless achieve roughly the same physical dimensions. An average overall length of the body equals roughly 6 in (15 cm). The tail of the creature also tends to develop as somewhat lengthy in relation to the body size.

Males  of the Araripe Manakin display a striking combination of patterns. This consists of a predominantly white stomach, with the wings and tails appearing as black. It also has a bright red crest. The female, meanwhile, shows an olive green, with a pale upper section.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Pipridae
• Genus: Antilophia
• Species: A. bokermanni

Araripe Manakin Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most unfortunately, the marvelous Araripe Manakin appears to have evolved as native to only a tiny portion of the world. More specifically, this highly limited zone of natural habitation consists solely of a small part of the country of Brazil, in South America.

Even there, though, this natural wonder just makes its home in the region consisting of the Chapada do Araripe section. This lies approximately in the northeastern section of the country. The entirety of that area totals just a part measuring about 19.3 sq mi (50 sq km).

This particular region also has some unique properties, including the presence of a remarkable limestone-based soil type. For the moment, scientists have no idea whether or not this represents an important environmental need for the animal.

The beautiful Araripe Manakin also inhabits the second-growth sections of the locally abundant forest. Here, it evolved as almost entirely frugivorous in nature. As a result, it primarily feeds on the wide variety, and copious quantities, of fruits native to the area.

Quite thankfully, conservation efforts are now underway, with its remaining habitat being declared a protected area. Several areas sharing similar environments also now hold a protected status, with these being considered as possible sites for breeding programs.

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